Darwin Barney

Barney finally evolved in 2014 into what he should have been the entire time -- a role player. He's a glove-first player that has never run, hit for average or hit for power at the major league level....

No one can deny that Barney has a great glove, but the 2012 Gold Glove winner can't hit a lick. Seven home runs and four stolen bases might be acceptable for a $1 second baseman who hit .270 in 200 at-bats, but Barney received over 500 at-bats in 2013 and barely stayed above the Mendoza Line. His .569 OPS was ahead of only Adeiny Hechavarria among qualifiers in the National League. His defense may save a few runs for the Cubs, but it's his bat that keeps the Cubs' games low-scoring. You're better off finding a part-timer to fill your middle-infield spot, and if he doesn't start hitting a little better, the Cubs may start to look elsewhere as well.

2013

A .254/.299/.354 line doesn't pay the bills except when it comes from an elite defensive second baseman - and that's a fair description for Barney whose 13.1 UZR led MLB at his position. That defensive skill set will keep his bat in the lineup, and the volume should yield decent counting stats in deeper leagues - seven homers, six steals and 73 runs have some use. Barney turned 27 in November, and given his strong contact rate and improving batting eye, it should not surprise if he hits .275 or higher.

2012

A long shot to win the second-base job last year, Barney beat out Jeff Baker and Blake DeWitt to be the Cubs' everyday starter as a rookie. His .276/.313/.353 line isn't eye-popping, however, and Barney has never run all that much - nine steals in 529 at-bats last year, and 11 in 479 Triple-A at-bats in 2010. Moreover, Barney doesn't hit for power or draw walks. He is an excellent contact hitter, though, and his defense makes him the favorite the begin the season as the team's starter. At 26, Barney can still get better, but he's probably not a high ceiling player.

2011

Barney got a cup of coffee in September and didn't hit. He can play second, short and third, and he runs well (though he hasn't translated his raw speed into base-stealing ability), so he'll be considered for a utility role. Otherwise, his skill set - not much power or patience, good contact skills - doesn't jump out.